Benzodiapines used as minor tranquilizers

ABSTRACT

Therapeutic compositions for treating humans and animals comprising, in unit dosage form, a 4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine of the Formula 1: WHEREIN R1 and R2 and R5 are hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, inclusive; R3 and R4 are hydrogen or halogen, including the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof in combination with a pharmaceutical carrier. The compositions are useful in therapeutic treatment as a minor tranquilizer at a dose of 0.001 to 0.1 mg./kg. and as a hypnotic at a dose of 0.1 to 0.4 mg./kg. The compositions can be administered orally, rectally, or parenterally to human or animal subjects.

United States Patent Hester, .1 r. et al.

Dec. 3, 1974 BENZODIAPINES USED AS MINOR TRANQUILIZERS [75] Inventors: Jackson B. Hester, Jr., Galesburg;

Martin Gall, Kalamazoo, both of Mich.

The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Filed: July 12, 1973 Appl. No.: 378,527

[73] Assignee:

Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 169,091, Aug. 4, 1971, abandoned.

US. Cl. 424/273, 260/309 Int. Cl ..'A6lk 27/00 Field of Search 424/273; 260/309, 296.7, 260/256.4 R

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/1966 Grosklos 260/566 R OTHER PUBLICATIONS Derieg et al., Chem. Abst., 69 36092v( 1968). Derieg et al., Chem. Abst., 70 87862z(1969). Derieg et al., Chem. Abst., 73 25542y( 1970).

Primary Examiner-Stanley J. Friedman Attorney, Agent, or FirmJohn J. Killinger; Roman Saliwanchik 7] ABSTRACT Therapeutic compositions for treating humans and animals comprising, in unit' dosage form, a 4H- imidazo[1,2-a][1,4]-benzodiazepine of the Formula 1:

WHQFi'HR-{iid and are hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 t0 3 carbon atoms, inclusive; R and R are hydrogen or halogen, including the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof in combination with a pharmaceutical carrier. The compositions are usefulin therapeutic treatment as a minor tranquilizer at a dose of 0.001 to 0.1 mg./kg. and as ahypnotic at a doseof 0.1 to 0.4 mg./kg. The compositions can be administered orally, rectally, or parenterally to human or animal subjects.

19 Claims, N0 Drawings Formula 1 BENZODIAPINES USED AS MINOR TRANQUILIZERS CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 169,091 filed Aug. 4, 1971, now abandoned. The parent application is available as Belgian Pat. No. 787,251 and German Offenlegensshrift No. 2,237,592 (Derwent ll562U).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is a therapeutic composition for treating humans and animals comprising a benzodiazepine of the Formula I and including the pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof in combination with a pharmaceutical carrier and a method for relief of tension and anxiety states or inducing sleep.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, pills, powders,

granules, suppositories, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, and oral solutions or suspensions, and oil- 'in-water and water-in-oil emulsions containing suitable quantities of the compound of Formula 1.

Formal administration either solid or fluid unit dosage forms can be prepared. For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the compound of Formula I is mixed with conventional ingredients such as talc, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium aluminum silicate, calcium sulfate, starch,- lactose, acacia, methylcellulose, and functionally similar materials as pharmaceutical diluents or carriers wafers are prepared in the same manner as tablets, difiering only in shape and the inclusion of sucrose orother sweetener and flavor. In their simplest embodiment, capsules, like tablets, are prepared by mixing the compound withan inert pharmaceutical diluent and filling the mixture into a hard gelatincapsule of appropriate size. Soft gelatin capsules are prepared by machine encapsulation of a slurry of the compound with an acceptable vegetable oil, light liquid petrolatum or other inert oil.-

Fluid unit. dosage forms for oral administration such as syrups, elixirs, and suspensions can be prepared. The water-soluble forms can be dissolved in an aqueous vehicle together with sugar, aromatic flavoring agents and preservatives to form a syrup. An elixir is prepared by using a hydro-alcoholic .(ethanol) vehicle with suitable sweeteners such as sugar and saccharin, together with an aromatic flavoring agent.

Suspensions can be prepared with a syrup vehicle with the aid of a suspending agent such as acacia, tragacanth, methylcellulose and the like.

For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilizing the' compound and a sterile vehicle, water being preferred. The compound, depending on the vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions the compound can be dissolved'in water for injection and filter sterilized before filling'into a suitable vial or ampul and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anesthetic, preservative and buffering agents can be dissolved in the vehicle. To enhance the stability, the composition can be frozen after filling into the vial and the water removed under vacuum. The dry lyophilized powder is then sealed in the vial and an accompanying vial of water for injection is supplied to reconstitute the liquid prior to use. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved and sterilization cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilized by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspending in the sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound.

The term unit dosage form, as used in the specification and claims, refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and animals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical diluent, carrier, or vehicle. The specifications for the novel unit dosage forms of this invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the'unique characteristics of the active material and the particular effect to be achieved, and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active materialfor use in humans and animals, asdisclosed in detail in this specification, these being features of the present invention. Examples of suitable unit dosage forms in accord with this invention are tablets, capsules, pills, suppositories, powder packets, granules, wafers, cachets, teaspoonfuls, tablespoonfuls, dropperfuls, ampuls, vials, segregated multiples of any of the foregoing, and other forms as herein described. x

The dosage of the compound for treatment depends on route of administration, the age, weight, and condi tion of the patient- A dosage schedule of from about 0.1 to 20 mg. in asingle dose, embraces the effective range to alleviate depression for which the compositions are effective. The dosage to be administered is calculated on the basis of from. about 0.001 1 to about 0.4 mg./kg. by weight of subject.

The compound is compounded with a suitable pharmaceutical carrier in unit dosage form forco'nvenient and'effective administration. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the dosage units contain the compound in 0.1 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg. amounts for systemic treatment, and'0.l to 5.0 percent w/v for parenteral treatment. The dosage of composi tions containing a compound of Formula land one or more other active ingredients is to be determined with reference to the actual dosage of each such ingredient.

The compounds of the Formula exhibit an unex pected split'in activity which is dose dependent.

At a low dose of from 0.001 to 0.1 mg./kg. the compounds act as minor tranquilizers and are useful in the symptomatic relief of tension and anxiety states resulting from stressful circumstances or whenever somatic complaints are concomitants of emotionalfactors. It is useful in psychoneurotic states, manifested by tension, anxiety, apprehension, fatigue, depressive symptoms or agitation.

In acute alcohol withdrawal, the compounds are useful in the symptomatic relief of. acuteagitation, tremor,

impending or acute delirium tremors and hallucinosis.

route is preferred) for relief for anxiety and tension in.

patients who are to undergo surgical procedures. intravenously, it is also useful prior to cardioversion. In either instance, the patients recall of the procedure is markedly diminshed.

At a high dose of from 0.1 to 0.4 mg./kg. the compounds are-hypnotic and induce immediate sleep.

In addition tc t h e adrninistration of a compound of Formula I as the principal active ingredient of compositions for treatment of the conditions described herein, the said compound can be combined with other compounds to obtain advantageous combinations of properties.

The following examples are illustrative of the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out his invention and are not to be construed as limiting.

EXAMPLE 1' A lot'of 10,000 tablets, each containing 5.0 mg. of 8 -chloro'-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4l-l-imidazo[ 1,2- a][l,4}benzodiazepine is prepared from the following types and amounts of ingredients: 3

benzodiazepine 50 gm. Dicalcium Phosphate l,500 gm. Methylcellulose'. U.S.P. (l5 cpsl) 60 gm. 'Talc v I l50 gm. Corn Starch 200 gm. Magnesium stearate 12 gm.

The compound and dicalcium phosphate are mixed well, granulated-with 7.5 percent solution of .methylcellulose in water, passed through a No. 8' screen and dried carefully. The dried granules are passed through a No. 12 screen, mixed thoroughly with the tale, starch and magnesium stearate, and compressed into tablets.

I These tablets are useful in reducing tensions and anxietyin adults at a dose of l to 2 tablets, depending on the age and weight of the patient.

' EXAMPLE 2 One thousand two-piece hard gelatin capsules, each containing mg. of 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H- imidazo[ l,2-a}[ l,4]benzodiazepine are prepared from the following types and amounts of ingredients:

The ingredients are mixed well and filled into capsulesof the proper size.

Capsules so prepared are useful for immediate induction of sleep at a dose of 1 capsule (adult dose).

EXAMPLE 3 One thousand tablets for sublingual use are prepared from the followingingredients:

benzodiazepine 5 gm. Polyethylene glycol 4,000,

powdered 150 gm. Polyethylene glycol 6,000,

powdered- Y 75 gm.

The ingredients are mixed well and compressed into sublingual-type tablets weighing 230 mg.

These tablets placed under the tongue are useful to reduce tension and anxiety with a rapid induction at a benzodiazepine 10 gm.

Talc 25 gm. 7 Magnesium stearate 2 gm. Lactose 248 gm.

dose of 1 tablet.

EXAMPLE 4 Soft gelatin capsules for oral use, each containing 1.0 mg. of -8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo[ 1,2- a][ 1,4]benzodiazepihe are prepared by first dispersing the micronized compound in corn oil to render the material capsulatable and then encapsulating in the usual manner.

The capsules are useful in relief of agitation and tremor in acute alcohol withdrawal at a dose of 1 capsule.

EXAMPLE 5 One thousand tablets, each containing 0.5 mg. of 8- chloro-6-( o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo[ l ,2-

a][l,4}ben zodiazepine are made from the following types and amounts of ingredients;

benzodiazepine Lactose 355 gm. Microcrystalline cellulose NF gm. Starch I I6 gm. Magnesium stearate powder 4 gm.

The ingredients are screened and blended together 1 The tablets are useful to overcome tension and anxi-. ety at a dose of 1 tablet (adult dose).

EXAMPLE 6 A' sterile preparation suitable for intramuscular injection and containing 0.1 mg. of 8-chloro-6-(ochlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo[ 1,2-a] [-l ,4]benzodiazepine in each milliliter is'prepared from the following ingredients:

and press'edinto tablets.

benzodiazepine .0.l gm. Benzyl benzoate 200 ml. Methylparaben 1.5 gm. Propylparaben 0.5 gm. Cottonseed oil q.s.

L000 ml.

One milliliter of this sterile preparation is injected to reduce tension and anxiety in adults.

EXAMPLE 7 Following the procedure of the preceding Examples 1 through 6, inclusive, unit dosage forms are similarly prepared substituting an equal amount each of 8- chloro-6-phenyl-4H imidazo[1,2-

Formula I wherein R, and R and R are hydrogen or alkyl of from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, inclusive; R and R are hydrogen or halogen, or a pharmacologically acceptableacid addition salt thereof in association with a pharmaceutical carrier.

2. A process according to claim 1 for treating tension and anxiety wherein from'about 0.001 to about 0.1

mg./kg. of compound is administered.

3. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 6 8-chloro-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[1,2- a][ l ,4]benzodiazepine.

4. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl )-4H-imidazo[ l .2- a][ 1,4]benzodiazepine.

5. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-l -methyl-6-phenyl-4l-l-imidazo[ l ,2- a] l,4]benzodiazepine.

6. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is S-chlorol-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl )-4l-limidazo[ l,2-a][ 1,4]benzodiazepine 7. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[ 1,2-

a][ 1,4]benzodiazepine.

8. The process of claim 2 wherein the, compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H- imidazo[ l ,2-a][ 1,4]benzodiazepine.

9. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro 4-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[ l ,2-

a] l ,4]benzodiazepine.

10. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-4-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H- imidazo[ l ,2-a][ 1,4]benz0diazepine. I

11. A process according to claim 1 for immediate sleep induction wherein from about 0.1 to about 0.4 mg./kg. of compound is administered.

12. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8 -chloro-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[1,2- a][ l ,4]benzodiazepine.

13. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-6-('o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo[ l ,2- a][ l ,4]benzodiazepine.

14. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-l-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[ 1,2- a][ l,4]benzodiazepine.

15. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chlorol -met hyl -6-( o-chlorophenyl )-4H- imidazo[ l ,2-a][ l,4]benzodiazepine.

16. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[ l ,2- a][ 1,4]benzodiazepine.

17. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-c hloro-2-methyl-6- o-chlorophenyl )-4H imidazo[ l ,2-a][ l,4]benzodiazepine.'

18-. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-4-methyl 6-phenyl-4H-imidazo[ l ,2- a][ l,4]benzodiazepine. 1

l9. Theprocess of claim 11 wherein the compound 

1. A MPROCESS FOR TREATING TENSION AND ANXIETY OR INDUCING SLEEP COMPRISING THE ADMINISTRATION TO A HUMAN OR ANIMAL SUBJECT, IN UNIT DOSAGE FORM, FROM ABOUT 0.001 TO ABOUT 0.4 MG./KG. BODY WEIGHT OF A COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA:
 2. A process according to claim 1 for treating tension and anxiety wherein from about 0.001 to about 0.1 mg./kg. of compound is administered.
 3. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 4. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 5. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 6. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-1-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 7. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 8. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 9. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-4-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 10. The process of claim 2 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-4-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 11. A process according to claim 1 for immediate sleep induction wherein from about 0.1 to about 0.4 mg./kg. of compound is administered.
 12. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 13. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 14. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-1-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 15. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-1-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 16. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 17. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-2-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 18. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-4-methyl-6-phenyl-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine.
 19. The process of claim 11 wherein the compound is 8-chloro-4-methyl-6-(o-chlorophenyl)-4H-imidazo(1,2-a)(1,4)benzodiazepine. 